BIOGRAPHY
Matúš Plecho was born in Slovakia in 1985. A little too late to experience the totalitarian regime that erased the happiness of several generations, yet just in time to live through its consequences. Odd as it may seem, right after decades of totalitarian oppression, another concept of enthrallment arose almost instantly- this time, far more sophisticated. His country is losing its cultural authenticity once again, but it is primarily the people who are changing. They are disoriented and mystified by materialism, consumption, and limitless liberalism. Pseudoculture is flourishing, and mass media eagerly provide generous sponsorship. The word of a man has become passé.
During his studies of ethnology at university, he began working on his first cycle, TRNAVA POETICA, in 2005. He sought the poetry of the everyday- the beauty of simple things. The morning mist, the quiet of the night, the smell of a rainy street, the last autumn leaves on a tree, or a smile on a face. It was in these moments that he found true happiness. For him, photography is like poetry. It uplifts the spirit, brings joy, heals, and makes one a better person. This cycle, spanning a significant period, also reflects the author’s personal growth in photography.
Although the author intentionally avoided portraying people, he finds his way back to them in his next cycle, CIRCUS HUMBERTO. This work, combined with ethnological research into the lives of circus artists, serves as the culmination of his university studies. At this stage he reaffirms the idea that even contemporary humanity can be both photogenic and poetic. In addition to fine art photography, he begins working on subjective documentary projects. The themes he now explores demand much more of his personal vision and emotional depth. He searches for stories in pictures.
The intimate work produced in his studio remains the core of his artistic journey. Within this small space, he gathers his entire world; it carries the imprint of his life. The first cycle of this kind was the conceptual series MIRROR FOR THE MAN, a critique of humanity’s contemporary image. In this work, the figure of man stands veiled, self- mutilated, dishonored, and with a blurred face.
In 2013, he left the noise of the town behind and moved to the tranquility of the countryside to slow down and enjoy suitable working conditions for the theme of his life POEMS & PRAYERS, captured on his 8x10- inch view camera. In the quietness and solitude of the attic, his notes and dialogues with God handwritten in ink transform into photographs. Plecho develops his own alphabet- a unique visual language where metaphor, symbol, and allegory play crucial roles. His work takes on a philosophical and meditative quality, imbued with spiritual mysteries, metaphysical exploration, and a belief in moral dogma rooted in theology.
In his pursuit of photography, he humbly embraces other art forms. He writes poems, paints, creates objects, and modifies existing items. He finds personal fulfillment in hard and honest craftsmanship, understanding that it is not a burden but a path to spiritual freedom.
He is currently working on the PRIMEVAL FORESTS OF SLOVAKIA cycle, returning to natural motifs by capturing the ancient, pristine forests and trees. Despite this, he does not consider himself a landscape photographer. His approach is more akin to portraiture, as he believes that the spirit, energy, and vitality of these sacred forests are as profound and alive as those found within humans.
